Nano-Scale Energy Conversion Device

ABSTRACT

Embodiments relate to an apparatus including a transport medium, a first surface, and a second surface. The transport medium includes a nanoparticle suspended in a dielectric, and has a first side and a second side. The first side opposes the second side. The nanoparticle includes a conductive metal at least partially covered by a monolayer film that is less conductive than the conductive metal. The first surface is disposed at the first side of the transport medium and has a first work function. The second surface is disposed at the second side of the transport medium and has a second work function. The first work function is lower than the second work function. In embodiments, the apparatus is configured to power a load coupled to the apparatus.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/407,450, filed Aug. 20, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/284,979, filed Feb. 25, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No.11,101,421, priority to each of which is claimed and the completedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments relate to electric power generation, conversion,and transfer. More specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein arerelated to nano-scale energy conversion devices that generate electricpower through thermionic energy conversion and thermoelectric energyconversion.

Portable electric power generating devices are often used to powerdevices where access to electric power from the electric power grid isnot practical (e.g., mobile phones and tablets in a shopping complex andsatellites in orbit about the Earth). Such devices are also used whenaccess to the grid is not possible (e.g., remote installations withintermittent or no grid availability). In addition, such devices areused as a backup power supply to support continued operation of criticalequipment during a grid event (e.g., a blackout or a brownout).

Standard, portable electric power generation devices include gasolineengines and diesel engines. However, when in operation, these devicesrequire frequent monitoring to ensure that necessary refueling isperformed to maintain the devices in operation. Photoelectric devices,e.g., solar cells are effective only when sufficient light is available.Commercially available electric power storage devices include, forexample, electrochemical batteries and solid state batteries. However,due to limited charges on electrochemical and solid state batteries,frequent replacement and/or recharging are required. In addition,electrochemical batteries and solid state batteries have a relativelylarge footprint when used for emergency and backup power supplies inindustrial facilities. Similarly, microelectronic devices are not alwayscompatible with the employment of electrochemical batteries and solidstate batteries. One example of a microelectronic device possiblyrequiring a compact, long-life, low-current, electric power device is alow power electronic sensor which is installed for long-term unattendedoperation in an inaccessible location. Another example of amicroelectronic device possibly requiring a compact, long-life, minimalpower draw, is a nonvolatile memory circuit of a compact computingdevice.

Other portable power generation devices include fuel cells and nuclearbatteries. Fuels cells require hydrogen replacement after a period oftime and, similar to electrochemical and solid state batteries, fuelcells have a relatively large footprint when used as emergency andbackup power supplies in industrial facilities. Nuclear batteries relyon processes that include fission, fusion, or radioactive decay of thenuclei of atoms. These processes are relatively inefficient and requireshielding to reduce the emissions of ionizing radiation that are anatural by-product of the nuclear processes.

SUMMARY

Apparatus is provided to generate electric power on a nanometer scale.

In one aspect, the apparatus is provided with first and secondelectrodes, the first electrode having a first work function value andthe second electrode having a second work function value, with the firstand second work function values being different. The second electrode ispositioned a predetermined distance from the first electrode. A cavityis formed by the distance and a dielectric medium is disposed in thecavity. A plurality of nanoparticles are suspended in the dielectricmedium, with the nanoparticles having at least one third work functionvalue greater than the first and second work function values.

These and other features and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment(s),taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings referenced herein form a part of the specification.Features shown in the drawings are meant as illustrative of only someembodiments, and not of all embodiments, unless otherwise explicitlyindicated.

FIG. 1 depicts a cutaway view of one embodiment of a nano-scale energyconversion device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a flow chart illustrating a process formanufacturing a nano-scale energy conversion device.

FIG. 3 depicts a cutaway view of one embodiment of a partiallyconstructed nano-scale energy conversion device.

FIG. 4 depicts a table of elemental work function values of bulkmaterials.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a process for depositing athermionic electron emissive material on an electrode substrate.

FIG. 6 depicts a graphical representation of work function values as afunction of particle size.

FIG. 7 depicts an overhead view of a covalently-bonded dipole depositedon the surface of an electrode through an electrospray deposition of athermionic electron emissive material on the electrode substrate.

FIG. 8 depicts a cutaway view of one embodiment of a nanofluid includinga plurality of nanoparticle clusters suspended in a dielectric medium.

FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart illustrating a process for generatingelectric power with the nano-scale energy conversion device.

FIG. 10 depicts a cutaway view of an embodiment of the nano-scale energyconversion device showing a relationship between the work functions ofthe electrodes and nanofluid therein.

FIG. 11 depicts a graphical representation of the effect of the emitterwork function value being larger than the collector work function value.

FIG. 12 depicts a schematic view of electron transfer through collisionsof the nanoparticle clusters.

FIG. 13 depicts a schematic view of one embodiment of employment of thenano-scale energy conversion device.

FIG. 14 depicts a schematic view of a system of stacked or groupednano-scale energy conversion devices to that generates electric powerfrom waste heat.

FIG. 15 depicts a cutaway view of waste heat harvesting system thatincludes a nano-scale energy conversion device coupled to an electronicchip that harvests electrical energy from waste heat from the electronicchip.

FIG. 16 depicts an exploded view of an electric power generation systemthat includes an array of nano-scale energy conversion devices coupledto an array of solar cells that harvests electrical energy from wasteheat from the solar cell array.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentembodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the Figuresherein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following detailed description of theembodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the presentembodiments, as presented in the Figures, is not intended to limit thescope of the embodiments, as claimed, but is merely representative ofselected embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “a select embodiment,” “oneembodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“a select embodiment,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment.

The illustrated embodiments will be best understood by reference to thedrawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.The following description is intended only by way of example, and simplyillustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, andprocesses that are consistent with the embodiments as claimed herein.

Thermoelectric power conversion presents a way to harvest availablewaste heat and convert this thermal energy into electricity.Thermoelectric power generation requires the attachment of one electrodeto a different electrode to form a junction therebetween where the twoelectrodes experience a temperature gradient. Based on the Seebeckeffect, the temperature gradient induces a voltage. Higher temperaturedifferentials tend to produce higher voltages and electric currents.However, due to the transfer of heat between the two materials at thejunction, a thermal backflow is introduced which reduces the efficiencyof thermoelectric power conversion systems. Some nuclear batteries (asdescribed above) include the combination of technologies such asphotovoltaic batteries and thermoelectric batteries. In the photovoltaicbattery, nuclear radiation energy is first converted intoelectromagnetic radiation, typically by irradiating a phosphorescentmaterial and then exposing a semiconductor p-n junction toelectromagnetic radiation to produce low voltage electrical current in.In the thermoelectric battery, the nuclear radiation is converted intothermal energy that in turn is converted to electrical energy by meansof thermoelectric conversion.

Thermionic power conversion also provides a method to convert heat intoelectrical energy. Thermoelectric power conversion generators convertheat energy to electrical energy by an emission of electrons from aheated emitter electrode (i.e., a cathode). Electrons flow from anemitter electrode, across an inter-electrode gap, to a collectorelectrode (i.e., an anode), through an external load, and return back tothe emitter electrode, thereby converting heat to electrical energy.Recent improvements in thermionic power converters include selectingmaterials with lower work functions for the electrodes and using a fluidto fill the inter-electrode gap. The electron transfer density islimited by the materials of the electrodes and the materials of thefluid in the inter-electrode gap (i.e., the associated work functions).

Construction of the Nano-scale Energy Conversion Device

To provide additional details for an improved understanding of selectedembodiments of the present disclosure, reference is now made FIG. 1illustrating a cutaway view of one embodiment of a nano-scale energyconversion device (100) that is configured to generate electrical power.The nano-scale energy conversion device (100) is sometimes referred toas a cell or a layer. A plurality of devices (100) may be organized as aplurality of cells or a plurality of layers in series or parallel, or acombination of both to generate electrical power at the desired voltage,current, and power output. The nano-scale energy conversion device (100)includes an emitter electrode (cathode) (102) and a collector electrode(anode) (104). The emitter electrode (102) and collector electrode (104)are collectively referred to as the electrodes (106) of the nano-scaleenergy conversion device (100). A plurality of insulator posts, alsoreferred to herein as columns, standoffs, or micro-pillars, (108) (onlyone shown) maintain separation between the electrodes (106) such thatthe electrodes (106) and the insulator posts (108) define a cavity(110). In one embodiment, the insulator posts (108) are fabricated witha dielectric material, such as, and without limitation, alkanethiol,sol-gel with aerogel-like properties, corona dope, super corona dope,silicon, silicon-oxide, polymer, or any dielectric material. In oneembodiment, rather than insulator posts (108), one or more insulatorwalls (not shown) are formed that divide the cavity (110). The cavity(110) extends between the electrodes (106) for a distance in the rangefrom 1 nanometer (nm) to less than about 10 nm. An interstitialnanofluid (112) is maintained within the cavity (110). Accordingly,nano-scale energy conversion device (100) includes two opposingelectrodes (106) separated by insulator posts (108) with a cavity (110)filled with a nanofluid (112) between the electrodes (106).

The emitter electrode (102) and the collector electrode (104) are eachfabricated with different materials, with the different materials havingseparate and different work function values. As used herein, the workfunction of a material (or a combination of materials) is the minimumthermodynamic work (i.e., minimum energy) needed to remove an electronfrom a solid to a point in a vacuum immediately outside a solid surfaceof the material. The work function is a material-dependentcharacteristic. Work function values are typically expressed in units ofelectron volts (eV). Accordingly, the work function of a materialdetermines the minimum energy required for electrons to escape thesurface, with lower work functions generally facilitating electronemission.

The emitter electrode (102) has a higher work function value than thecollector electrode (104). The difference in work function valuesbetween the electrodes (106) due to the different electrode materialsinduces a contact potential difference between the electrodes (106) thathas to be overcome to transmit electrons through the nanofluid (112)within the cavity (110) from the emitter electrode (102) to thecollector electrode (104). Both electrodes (106) emit electrons,however, as explained in more detail elsewhere herein, once the contactpotential difference is overcome, the emitter electrode (102) will emitsignificantly more electrons than the collector electrode (104). A netflow of electrons will be transferred from the emitter electrode (102)to the collector electrode (104), and a net electric current will flowfrom the emitter electrode (102) to the collector electrode (104). Thisnet current causes the emitter electrode (102) to become positivelycharged and the collector electrode (104) to become negatively charged.Accordingly, the nano-scale energy conversion device (100) generates anelectrical current that is transmitted from the emitter electrode (102)to the collector electrode (104).

The nanofluid (112) includes a dielectric medium (114) and a pluralityof nanoparticle clusters (116) suspended in the dielectric medium (114).The nanofluid (112) minimizes ohmic heating and eliminates formation ofspace charges in the cavity (110) such that arcing in the medium (114)is prevented. In some embodiments, and without limitation, thedielectric medium (114) is one of water, silicone oil, or alcohol. Also,in at least one embodiment, the dielectric medium (114) is a sol-gelwith aerogel-like properties and low thermal conductivity values thatreduce heat transfer therethrough, e.g., thermal conductivity valuesless than 1.0 watts per meter-degrees Kelvin (W/m ° K). In at least oneembodiment, the thermal conductivity of the dielectric medium (114) isas low as 0.013 watts per meter-degrees Kelvin (W/m ° K), as compared tothe thermal conductivity of water at 20 degrees Celsius (° C.) of 0.6W/m ° K. Accordingly, the nanofluid (112) minimizes heat transferthrough the cavity (110) with low thermal conductivity values. The heattransport in the thermal conductivity nanofluid (112) is proportional tothe temperature difference between the electrodes (102) and (104). Forexample, if the heat transport in a low thermal conductivity nanofluidis small, a high temperature difference between the two electrodes (102and 104) can be maintained during operation. As discussed elsewhereherein, the electrical conductivity of the nanofluid (112) changes withoperation of the corresponding device.

The nanoparticle clusters (116) may be fabricated from metal and metalalloys, ceramics, cermet, composites, and other materials. Some of thenanoparticle clusters (116) may include materials dissimilar from othernanoparticle clusters (116). In one embodiment, and without limitation,the nanofluid (112) includes nanoparticle clusters (116) of gold (Au)(118) and silver (Ag) (120). As used herein, “nanoparticle clusters”refers to a grouping of 6 to 8 atoms of the associated materials, e.g.,Au and Ag, where the number of atoms is non-limiting, The nanoparticleclusters (116) have work function values that are greater than the workfunction values for the electrodes (106). Specifically, the workfunction values of the Au nanoparticle clusters (118) and the Agnanoparticle clusters (120) are 4.1 eV and 3.8 eV, respectively. Asexplained in more detail elsewhere herein, charge transport throughelectron hopping and Brownian motion is facilitated by the greater workfunction values of the nanoparticle clusters (116) and use of at leasttwo types of nanoparticle clusters (116), each type with a differentwork function value. The Brownian motion of the nanoparticle clusters(116) includes collisions between the nanoparticle clusters (116) amongthemselves and collisions between the nanoparticle clusters (116) andthe two electrodes (102) and (104).

The nanoparticle clusters (116) are coated with alkanethiol to form adielectric barrier thereon, where the selection of alkanethiol isnon-limiting. In at least one embodiment, dodecanethiols are used. In atleast one other embodiment, at least one other alkane shorter thandodecanethiol and decanethiol is used. The length of the alkane chain islimited by the need for the nanoparticle conductive cores to be within 1nm to transfer electrons from one conductive surface to another. Thealkanethiol coating reduces coalescence of the nanoparticle clusters(116). In one embodiment, the nanoparticle clusters (116) have adiameter in the range of 0.5 nm to 5 nm. In at least one embodiment, thenanoparticle clusters (116) have a diameter in the range of 1-3 nm. Inone embodiment, the nanoparticle clusters (116) have a diameter of 2 nm.The nanoparticle clusters (116) of Au (118) and Ag (120) are tailored tobe electrically conductive with charge storage features. Accordingly,the nanofluid (112), including the suspended nanoparticle clusters(116), provides a conductive pathway for electrons to travel across thecavity (110) from the emitter electrode (102) to the collector electrode(104) through charge transfer.

A plurality of emitter electrons (122) and a plurality of collectorelectrons (124) are shown proximate to the cavity (110) within therespective emitter electrode (102) and collector electrode (104). Anelectron (126) is shown as leaving the emitter electrode (102), hoppingacross the nanoparticle clusters (116), and entering the collectorelectrode (104). FIG. 1 illustrates an external circuit (128) connectedto the two electrodes (106). Specifically, a first electrical conductor(130) is connected to the collector electrode (104) and the externalcircuit (128) and a second electrical conductor (132) is connected tothe external circuit (128) and the emitter electrode (102). Whennano-scale energy conversion device (100) is in service generatingelectricity, external circuit current (134) is transmitted throughexternal circuit (128), and the same amount of electron current asflowing through the external circuit (134) will flow from the emitterelectrode (102) to the collector electrode (104). For example, a singlecell or layer, such as the configuration shown and described in FIG. 1,can generate a voltage within a range extending between about 0.25 voltsand 6.0 volts, depending on the contact potential difference (discussedfurther herein) induced between the emitter electrode (102) and thecollector electrode (104) as a function of the materials used for each.In some embodiments, the device (100) nominally generates between about0.75 volts and 5.0 volts. In one embodiment, the device generates about0.75 volts. Also, for example, a single cell or layer, such as theconfiguration shown and described in FIG. 1, the device (100) cangenerate an electrical current within a range of approximately 1milliampere (ma) to approximately 10 ma. Further, in some embodiments,the device (100) generates approximately 0.75 milliwatts per squarecentimeter (mW/cm²). Accordingly, nano-scale energy conversion device(100) generates sufficient electrical current to power small loads,e.g., a micro-circuit.

The emitter electrode (102) is manufactured with a tungsten (W)nanoparticle surface (136) and a cesium oxide (Cs₂O) coating (138) thatat least partially covers the W nanoparticle surface (136). Thecollector electrode (104) is manufactured with a gold (Au) nanoparticlesurface (140) and a Cs₂O coating (142) that at least partially coversthe Au nanoparticle surface (140). As discussed further herein, duringmanufacturing of the electrodes (106), W nanoparticles areelectrosprayed onto one side of polymer base that includes a graphenefilm, i.e., an atomic-scale lattice of carbon atoms, on one side of thepolymer base. The W nanoparticles form a surface layer on the graphenefilm. The Cs₂O coating (138) on the W nanoparticle surface (136) islayered on the surface (136) through a template. The polymer base is asacrificial component for assembly that is removed with acetone(described further herein). Similarly, the Au nanoparticles areelectrosprayed onto the graphene film on a polymer base to form the Aunanoparticle surface (140) and the Cs₂O coating (142) is layered on theAu nanoparticle surface (140) through a template, and the polymer baseis removed. The use of the templates with particular electrospray andnanofabrication techniques form deposited layers of Cs₂O (138) and (142)in one or more predetermined patterns on the W nanoparticle surface(136) and the Au nanoparticle surface (140). A percentage of coverage ofeach of the two substrates (136) and (140) with the respective Cs₂Ocoating layers (138) and (142) is within a range of at least 50% up to70%, and in at least one embodiment, is about 60%. The Cs₂O coatings(138) and (142) reduce the work function values of the electrodes (102)and (104) from the work function values of W (typically 4.55 eV) and Au(typically 5.1 eV), respectively. Specifically, the emitter electrode(102) has a work function value of 0.88 electron volts (eV) and thecollector electrode (104) has a work function value of 0.65 eV.Accordingly, the lower work function values of the electrodes (102) and(104) are essential to the operation of the nano-scale energy conversiondevice (100) as described herein.

W and Au were selected for the electrodes (106) due to at least some oftheir metallic properties (e.g., strength and resistance to corrosion)and the measured change in work function when the thermionic emissivematerial of Cs₂O is layered thereon. Alternative materials may be used,such as noble metals including, and without limitation, rhenium (Re),osmium (Os), ruthenium (Ru), tantalum (Ta), iridium (Ir), rhodium (Rh),palladium (Pd), and platinum (Pt), or any combination of these metals.In addition, and without limitation, non-noble metals such as aluminum(Al) and molybdenum (Mo) may also be used. For example, and withoutlimitation, Al nanoparticles may be used rather than W nanoparticles toform surface (136), and Pt nanoparticles may be used rather than Aunanoparticles to form surface (140). Accordingly, the selection of thematerials to use to form the nanoparticle surfaces (136) and (140) isprincipally based on the work functions of the electrodes (106), andmore specifically, the difference in the work functions once theelectrodes (106) are fully fabricated.

The nano-scale energy conversion device (100) generates electric powerthrough harvesting heat energy (144). As described in further detailherein, the emitter electrode (102) receives the heat energy (144) fromsources that include, without limitation, heat generating sources andambient environments, and generates electrons (126) that traverse thecavity (110) via the nanoparticle clusters (116). The electrons (126)reach the collector electrode (104) and external circuit current (134)is transmitted to the external circuit (124). In some embodiments,nano-scale energy conversion device (100) generates electrical powerthrough placement in ambient, room temperature environments.Accordingly, the nano-scale energy conversion device (100) harvests heatenergy (144), including waste heat, to generate useful electrical power.

Assembly of the Nano-scale Energy Conversion Device

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a flow chart (200) is providedillustrating a process for manufacturing a nano-scale energy conversiondevice. Referring to FIG. 3, a diagram (300) is provided illustrating acutaway view of one embodiment of a partially constructed nano-scaleenergy conversion device (300) (not shown to scale).

Fabrication of the Emitter Electrode (Cathode)

As shown and described in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, an emitter electrode(302) is fabricated (202) by positioning (204) a graphene film (328) onone side of a polymer base (330) (shown in phantom). The polymer base(330) is approximately 2 nm thick (where this value should be considerednon-limiting) and the graphene film (328) is approximately 3.7 angstromsthick. The polymer base (330) is used as a sacrificial assemblycomponent. The graphene film (328) is positioned proximate to anelectrospray nozzle of an electrospray device (see FIG. 5, electrospraynozzle (512)). Emitter electrode nanoparticles (not shown) are selected(206) for deposition (208) on the graphene film (328). One principlerequirement for selection (206) of the nanoparticle material(s) for theemitter electrode (302) is that the combination of the nanoparticlematerial and the deposited thermionic emissive material have a combinedwork function value greater than the work function value of thecollector electrode (306) (fabricated as described further elsewhereherein). A second principle requirement is that the difference of thework function values of the two electrodes (302) and (306) (as measuredin eV) be above a predetermined value to maximize electron transferbetween the two electrodes (302) and (306). A partial list of theappropriate nanoparticle materials for the emitter electrode (302) isprovided elsewhere herein. In the exemplary embodiment, at least onelayer of W nanoparticles (not shown) is deposited (208) throughelectrospray onto the graphene film (328) to form a nanoparticle surface(304) on the graphene film (328). In at least one embodiment, thethickness of the layer of nanoparticles to form nanoparticle surface(304) is approximately 2 nm (i.e., the approximate thickness of ananoparticle), where the 2 nm value should be considered non-limiting.Accordingly, one or more metal materials in the form of nanoparticlesare selected as the nanoparticle surface (304) for the emitterelectrodes (302) at least partially as a function of decreasing the workfunction value of the electrodes (302) and (306) and maintaining a workfunction value differential between the electrodes (302) and (306) abovea predetermined value.

Once the W nanoparticle surface (304) is formed (208), the polymer base(330) is removed (210) through an acetone solution, thereby renderingthe polymer base (330) as a sacrificial material. Accordingly, the Wnanoparticle surface (304) on the graphene film (328) is ready toreceive a thermionic emissive material thereon.

At least one layer of a thermionic electron emissive material (308) isdeposited (212) on at least a portion of the W nanoparticle surface(304). In one embodiment, a monolayer of the thermionic electronemissive material (308) is deposited (212) on over about at least 50% toabout 70% of the surface of the W nanoparticle surface (304). In anotherembodiment, about 60% of the surface of the W nanoparticle surface (304)receives a monolayer of the material (308). In yet another embodiment, aplurality of layers of the thermionic electron emissive material (308)is deposited on about 60% of the W nanoparticle surface (304). Thedeposited thermionic electron emissive material (308) is selected todecrease the work function value of the emitter electrode (302) to avalue below that of the work function value of the material selected forthe W nanoparticle surface (304).

Referring to FIG. 4, a table (400) is provided illustrating elementalwork function values of bulk materials. For example, the work functionvalue of W is 4.55 eV. As described further herein, the deposition ofCs₂O (308) on the W nanoparticle surface (304) decreases the workfunction value of emitter electrode (302) to about 0.88 eV. Accordingly,the combination of materials is positioned to create the desired workfunction values, and modifying the combination of materials can changethe work function value of the combination.

The selection of the thermionic electron emissive material (308) todeposit on the nanoparticle surface (304) is partially based on thedesired work function value of the electrode (302) (and electrode (306))and chemical compatibility between the nanoparticle surface (304) andthe deposited material (308). Deposition materials include, but are notlimited to, thorium, aluminum, cerium, and scandium, as well as oxidesof alkali or alkaline earth metals, such as cesium, barium, calcium, andstrontium.

Referring to FIG. 5, a diagram is provided illustrating a perspectiveview of a process (500) for depositing a thermionic electron emissivematerial on an electrode substrate, i.e., a nanoparticle surface such asW nanoparticle surface (136/304) and Au nanoparticle surface (140/310).In a first step (502), a template (504) is positioned proximate to asubstrate (506). The template (504) includes a pattern (508) of openingscorresponding to a desired deposition pattern on the substrate (506).The template (504) is positioned over one side of the substrate (506) asshown by the arrow (524). The substrate (506) is grounded to facilitatedirect deposition of droplets on the substrate (506) to form a patternof the deposited deposition material(s).

In a second step (510), the substrate (506) with the overlaid template(504) is positioned proximate to an electrospray nozzle (512) of anelectrospray device (not shown). An emission of the thermionic electronemissive material issues from the electrospray nozzle (512) asmonodispersed droplets (514) is characterized by nanoparticles ofuniform size in a dispersed phase. An electrospray of the droplets(514), hereinafter referred to as electrospray, produces monodisperseparticles to support deposition of the thermionic electron emissivematerial in the nanometric scale range. In one embodiment, theelectrospray (514) includes a solution of 0.1 molar (M) Cs₂Onanoparticles in ethanol, where the droplet diameter is 10 microns.Also, in one embodiment, the pattern (508) includes a range of 30-50micron diameter holes with a center-to-center distance ranging fromabout 60-200 microns, staggered at about 30-60 degree angles, andpreferably 45 degree angles. The electrospray (514) with Cs₂Onanoparticles is directed toward the template (504) to form a monolayer(516) as the template (504) and substrate (506) traverse theelectrospray (514) as shown by the arrow (526). In one embodiment, 10¹⁴Cs₂O atoms per square centimeter (cm²) is the target concentration forthe substrate (506).

In a third step (518), the template (504) is separated from thesubstrate (506) as shown by the arrow (528) to leave a patternedthermionic electron emissive material (520) on electrode substrate (506)to form an emitter electrode (522). As shown, four distinct lines ofdeposited material, collectively referred to as deposited material(520), are overlaid on the W substrate (506). This pattern is merely anexample pattern and should not be considered limiting. In oneembodiment, the pattern of thermionic electrons may vary as long as thepattern enables operation of the electrode (522). Accordingly, amonolayer of patterned thermionic electron emissive material (520),i.e., Cs₂O, is formed on a W substrate (506) to achieve coverage of thesubstrate (506) in excess of at least 50% to about 70%, with 60% beingan optimal coverage. In at least one embodiment, the thickness of thelayer of patterned thermionic electron emissive material (520) isapproximately 2 nm, where the 2 nm value should be considerednon-limiting.

Referring to FIG. 6, a diagram is provided illustrating a graphicalrepresentation (600) of work function values as a function of particlesize. The graph (600) includes a first axis (602), represented herein asa vertical axis (602) that indicates a change in work function value(Δϕ), where the vertical axis has a range from 0 to 1.2 in increments of0.2 and in units of eV. The graph (600) also includes a second axis(604), represented herein as a horizontal axis that indicates particlesize, where the second axis (604) extends from 0 to 60 in increments of10 and in units of nanometers (nm). The graph (600) also includes acurve (606) representing the relationship between the particle size andthe change in work function value associated with the size. As indicatedin the graph (600), the selection of nanoparticle size impacts its workfunction value. For example, the work function value changes more than 1eV as the nanoparticle cluster approaches that of a single atom.Conversely, as the nanoparticle size enlarges, the work function valueapproaches measurements associated with bulk materials. This property ofa work function value of a material increasing with decreasing particlesize enables the tailoring of each individual application of thenano-scale energy conversion device (100). Accordingly, selecting theparticular nanoparticle sizes for the spray depositions (520) on theemitter and collector electrodes (102)/(302) and (104)/(306),respectively, is performed to increase the work function differencebetween the electrodes to increase the number of electrons transferredduring operation of the nano-scale energy conversion device (100).

Referring to FIG. 7, a diagram is provided illustrating an overhead view(700) of a covalently-bonded dipole (702) deposited on the nanoparticlesurface (136/304/506/704) of an electrode (302/306) through anelectrospray (514) deposition of the thermionic electron emissivematerial on the electrode nanoparticle surface/substrate(136/304)/(506/704). The nanoparticles in the Cs₂O deposited on theelectrode nanoparticle surface (704) form covalent bonds that in turnform the surface dipoles (702) (only one shown in FIG. 7). Within thedipoles (702), a positive charge (706) and an opposing negative charge(708) are formed by charged nano-droplets in the electrospray (514) asthey collide with the surface (704). The charges (706) and (708) inducean electric field (710) between the charges (706) and (708) such thatthe dipole (702) acts as a nano-antenna that modifies the proximatedipole moment in the vicinity of the dipole (702) through inducement ofelectromagnetic waves proximate thereto as a function of the inducedelectric field (710). Accordingly, covalently-bonded dipoles (702)deposited on an electrode nanoparticle surface (704) creates a low workfunction electrode when the coverage area is optimized.

In at least one embodiment, the W emitter electrode (302) and the Aucollector electrode (306) have dimensions of 20-50 millimeters (mm) longby 20-50 mm wide and 4-100 nm thick. The 100 nm thickness is based oncharge penetration from the emitter electrode (102/302) into thenanofluid (112) and from the collector electrode (104/306) into thesecond electrical conductor (132). In general, to maximize the chargepenetration through the associated electrodes (102/302 and 104/306), asmaller value of the associated thickness is preferred. Therefore, in atleast one embodiment, electrodes(102/302 and 104/306) are approximately4 nm thick.

Fabrication of the Collector Electrode (Cathode)

Referring again to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, the collector electrode (306) isfabricated (214) in a manner substantially similar to that for theemitter electrode (302). A graphene film (332) is positioned (216) onone side of a polymer base (334) (shown in phantom). The polymer base(334) is approximately 2 nm thick (where this value should be considerednon-limiting) and the graphene film (332) is approximately 3.7 angstromsthick. The graphene film (332) is positioned proximate to anelectrospray nozzle of an electrospray device (see FIG. 5, electrospraynozzle (512)). Collector electrode nanoparticles (not shown) areselected (218) for deposition (220) on the graphene film (332). Oneprinciple requirement for selection (218) of the nanoparticlematerial(s) for the collector electrode (306) is that the combination ofthe nanoparticle material and the deposited thermionic emissive materialhave a combined work function value less than the work function value ofthe emitter electrode (302) (fabricated as described elsewhere herein).A second principle requirement is that the difference of the workfunction values of the two electrodes (302) and (306) (as measured ineV) be above a predetermined value to maximize electron transfer betweenthe two electrodes (302) and (306). A partial list of the appropriatenanoparticle materials for the collector electrode (306) is providedelsewhere herein. In the exemplary embodiment, at least one layer of Aunanoparticles (not shown) is deposited (220) through electrospray ontothe graphene film (332) to form a nanoparticle surface (310) on thegraphene film (332). In at least one embodiment, the thickness of thelayer of nanoparticles to form nanoparticle surface (332) isapproximately 2 nm (i.e., the approximate thickness of a nanoparticle),where the 2 nm value should be considered non-limiting.

Once the Au nanoparticle surface (310) is formed (220), the polymer base(334) is removed (222) through an acetone solution, thereby renderingthe polymer base (334) as a sacrificial material. Accordingly, the Aunanoparticle surface (310) on the graphene film (332) is ready toreceive a thermionic emissive material thereon.

At least one layer of a thermionic electron emissive material (312) isdeposited (224) on at least a portion of the Au nanoparticle surface(310). In one embodiment, a monolayer of the thermionic electronemissive material (312) is deposited on over about at least 50% to about70% of the surface of the Au nanoparticle surface (310). In anotherembodiment, about 60% of the surface of the Au nanoparticle surface(310) receives a monolayer of the material (312). In yet anotherembodiment, a plurality of layers of the thermionic electron emissivematerial (312) is deposited on about 60% of the Au nanoparticle surface(310). The deposited thermionic electron emissive material (312) isselected to decrease the work function value of the collector electrode(306) to a value below that of the work function value of the materialselected for the Au nanoparticle surface (310). Referring to FIG. 4, thetable (400) indicates that the work function value of Au is 5.1 eV.Deposition of Cs₂O (312) on the Au nanoparticle surface (310) decreasesthe work function value of the collector emitter electrode (306) to 0.65eV. Accordingly, similar to the emitter electrode (302), one or moremetal materials in the form of nanoparticles are selected as thenanoparticle surface (310) for the collector electrodes (306) at leastpartially as a function of decreasing the work function value of theelectrodes (302) and (306) and maintaining a work function valuedifferential between the electrodes (302) and (306) above apredetermined value.

Fabrication of the Insulator Posts

Once the electrodes (302) and (306) are fabricated, assembly (200) ofthe nano-scale energy conversion device (100)/(300) continues.Specifically, one of the collector electrode (306) (as shown in FIG. 3)and the emitter electrode (302) is positioned on a surface (not shown)for support. A template (not shown in FIG. 2) is employed to fabricate(226) a plurality of insulator posts (or columns, standoffs, ormicro-pillars) (314) through electrospray deposition to maintainseparation between the electrodes (302) and (306) such that theelectrodes (302) and (306) and the insulator posts (314) define a cavity(316). In at least one embodiment, the template is a graphite template.In one embodiment, the insulator posts (314) are fabricated with adielectric material, such as, and without limitation, alkanethiol,sol-gel with aerogel-like properties, corona dope, super corona dope,silicon, silicon-oxide, polymer, or any dielectric material. Thetemplates are constructed to allow for electro-spraying of thealkanethiol such that overspray onto the thermionic electron emissivematerials (308) and (312) is minimized. In one embodiment, rather thaninsulator posts (314), one or more insulator walls are formed thatdivide the cavity (316) into multiple cavities (316).

The height (318) of the insulator posts (314) ranges from 1 nanometer(nm) to less than 10 nm. Therefore, the cavity (316) extends between theelectrodes (302) and (306) for a distance in the range from 1 nanometer(nm) to less than 10 nm. The width (320) of the insulator posts (314)ranges from 1 nanometer (nm) to 10 nm. The width (322) of the cavity(322) ranges from 1 nanometer (nm) to 10 nm. The insulator posts (314)are shown as cubical or cubical like structures and substantiallysimilar in shape and size to that of the cavity (322), although thisconfiguration is not limiting. The distance between insulator posts(314) is within a range defined by about 5-6 nm to about 1 cm. Thedimensions and configurations of the insulator posts (314) and cavities(316) are determined based on the planned employment of the nano-scaleenergy conversion devices (100)/(300). Accordingly, insulator posts(314) (or walls) are fabricated on one of the two electrodes (302) and(306) at a predetermined height to maintain a predetermined distancebetween the two electrodes (302) and (306) within the nano-scale energyconversion device (100)/(300).

Coupling the Electrodes and Insulator Posts Together

The electrodes (302) and (306) and the insulator posts (314) are coupled(228) together. As described above, and shown in FIG. 3, the insulatorposts (314) are deposited on the collector electrode (306). Theelectrode on which the insulator posts (314) were not formed, as shownin FIG. 3, the emitter electrode (302), is lowered to rest on top of theinsulator posts (314) as shown by the arrows (326). An adhesive material(324) is spot-deposited at the outside ends of the nano-scale energyconversion device (100)/(300) to adhere the electrodes (302) and (306)and insulator posts (314) as a unit. In one embodiment, this aspect ofthe assembly is completed when the device (100)/(300) is sealed orencased with one of silicon or silicon dioxide casing segments, asealant such as a hot melt adhesive, or by electro-spraying analkanethiol film gasket around the edge of the device on all sides, withthe exception of one side remaining unsealed to facilitate addition of ananofluid (as discussed further elsewhere herein). The positioning ofthe electrodes (302) and (306) and the insulator posts (314) define(230) a cavity therebetween (316).

Manufacturing the Nanofluid and Adding the Nanofluid to the Cavities

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the nanofluid (112) is manufactured (232).Referring to FIG. 8, a diagram is provided illustrating a cutaway viewof one embodiment of a nanofluid (800) including a plurality of Au andAg nanoparticle clusters (802) and (804), respectively, suspended in adielectric medium (806). In some embodiments, and without limitation,the dielectric medium (806) is one of water, silicone oil, and alcohol.Also, in at least one embodiment, the dielectric medium (806) is asol-gel with aerogel-like properties and low thermal conductivity valuesthat reduce heat transfer therethrough, e.g., thermal conductivityvalues as low as 0.013 watts per meter-degrees Kelvin (W/m-° K) ascompared to the thermal conductivity of water at 20 degrees Celsius (°C.) of 0.6 W/m-° K. Appropriate materials are selected prior tofabricating the nanoparticle clusters (802) and (804). The principlerequirement for material selection of the nanoparticle clusters (802)and (804) is that the materials must have work function values that aregreater than the work function values for the electrodes (234).Specifically, the work function values of the Au nanoparticle clusters(802) and the Ag nanoparticle clusters (804) are 4.1 eV and 3.8 eV,respectively.

At least one layer of a dielectric coating, such as a monolayer ofalkanethiol material (808), is deposited, e.g. electrosprayed, on thenanoparticles (236) to form a dielectric barrier thereon. Thealkanethiol material at step (236) includes, but is not limited tododecanethiol and decanethiol. The deposit of the dielectric coating,such as alkanethiol, reduces coalescence of the nanoparticle clusters(802) and (804). In at least one embodiment, the nanoparticle clusters(802) and (804) have a diameter in the range of 1 nm to 3 nm. In oneembodiment, the nanoparticle clusters (802) and (804) have a diameter of2 nm. The nanoparticle clusters of Au (802) and Ag (804) are tailored tobe electrically conductive with charge storage features (i.e.,capacitive features), minimize heat transfer through the cavities (110)and (316) with low thermal conductivity values, minimize ohmic heating,eliminate space charges in the cavities (110) and (316), and preventarcing. The plurality of Au and Ag nanoparticle clusters (802) and(804), respectively, are suspended (238) in the dielectric medium (806).Accordingly, the nanofluid (800), including the suspended nanoparticleclusters (802) and (804), provides a conductive pathway for electrons totravel across the cavities (110) and (316) from the emitter electrode(102) and (302) to the collector electrode (104) and (306) throughcharge transfer.

The Au nanoparticle clusters (802) are dodecanethiol functionalized goldnanoparticles, with a particle size of 1-3 nm, at about 2%(weight/volume percent) and suspended in toluene. The Ag nanoparticleclusters (804) are dodecanethiol functionalized silver nanoparticles,with a particle size of 1-3 nm, at about 0.25% (weight/volume percent)and suspended in hexane. In one embodiment, the particle size of boththe Au and Ag nanoparticle clusters (802) and (804) is at or about 2 nm.The Au and Ag cores of the nanoparticle clusters (802) and (804) areselected for their abilities to store and transfer electrons. In oneembodiment, a 50%-50% mixture of Au and Ag nanoparticle clusters (802)and (804) are used. However, a mixture in the range of 1-99% Au-to-Agcould be used as well. Electron transfers are more likely betweennanoparticle clusters (802) and (804) with different work functions. Inone embodiment, a mixture of nearly equal numbers of two dissimilarnanoparticle clusters (802) and (804) provides good electron transfer.Accordingly, nanoparticle clusters are selected based on particle size,particle material (with the associated work function values), mixtureratio, and electron affinity.

Conductivity of the nanofluid (800) can be increased by increasingconcentration of the nanoparticle clusters (802) and (804). Thenanoparticle clusters (802) and (804) may have a concentration withinthe nanofluid (800) of about 0.1 mole/liter to about 2 moles/liter. Inat least one embodiment, the Au and Ag nanoparticle clusters (802) and(804) each have a concentration of at least 1 mole/liter.

The stability and reactivity of colloidal particles, such as Au and Agnanoparticle clusters (802) and (804), are determined largely by aligand shell formed by the alkanethiol coating (808) adsorbed orcovalently bound to the surface of the nanoparticle clusters (802) and(804). The nanoparticle clusters (802) and (804) tend to aggregate andprecipitate, which can be prevented by the presence of a ligand shell ofthe non-aggregating polymer alkanethiol coating (808) enabling thesenanoparticle clusters (802) and (804) to remain suspended. Adsorbed orcovalently attached ligands can act as stabilizers against agglomerationand can be used to impart chemical functionality to the nanoparticleclusters (802) and (804). Over time, the surfactant nature of the ligandcoatings is overcome and the lower energy state of agglomeratednanoparticle clusters is formed. Therefore, over time, agglomeration mayoccur due to the lower energy condition of nanoparticle clusteraccumulation and occasional addition of a surfactant may be used.

The nanofluid (802) is loaded (240) into the cavities (110) and (316) bycapillary and vacuum processes through the remaining unsealed side ofnano-scale energy conversion device (100)/(300). Assembly is completedwhen the remaining unsealed side of the nano-scale energy conversiondevice (100)/(300) is sealed (242) or encased with one of silicon orsilicon dioxide casing segments, a sealant such as a hot melt adhesive,or by electrospraying an alkanethiol film gasket around the remainingunsealed side of the device. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, aplurality of Au and Ag nanoparticle clusters (802) and (804) are mixedtogether in a dielectric medium (806) to form a nanofluid (112)/(800),the nanofluid (112)/(800) is inserted into the cavities (110)/(316), andthe nano-scale energy conversion device (100)/(300) is fully sealed.

In one embodiment, the dimensions of the nano-scale energy conversiondevice (100)/(300) is approximately 20-50 mm long by approximately 20-50mm wide by approximately 9-19 nm thick (about 4 nm for each electrode(102/302 and 104/306) and about 1 nm to less than about 10 nm for thecavity (110/316) therebetween). The thickness of the device (100/300) isdetermined based on the desired electron flow therein and the other twodimensions are scalable based on the desired overall power output of thedevice (100/300).

Principles of Operation of the Nano-scale Energy Conversion Device

Referring again to FIG. 9, a flow chart is provided illustrating aprocess (900) for generating electric power with the nano-scale energyconversion device (100). As described herein, an emitter electrode (102)is provided (902) and a collector electrode (104) is provided (904),where the work function value of the collector electrode (104) is lessthan the work function value of the emitter electrode (102). The emitterelectrode (102) and the collector electrode (104) are positioned apredetermined distance from each other, i.e., about 1 nm to less thanabout 10 nm.

Referring to FIG. 10, a diagram is provided illustrating a cutaway viewof an embodiment of the nano-scale energy conversion device (1000)showing a relationship between the work functions of an emitterelectrode (1002) (WF_(e)), collector electrode (1004) (WF_(c)), andnanofluid (1006) (WF_(nf)) therein. FIG. 10 also shows a pair ofinsulator posts (1008) separating the electrodes (1002) and (1004). Thedifference between the WF_(e) and WF_(c) establishes (908) a contactpotential difference (CPD) between the two electrodes (1002) and (1004).Specifically, a voltage differential (V_(CPD)) is induced across thenanofluid (1006) due to the dissimilar metals of electrodes (1002) and(1004), e.g., W and Au, respectively, both including at least amonolayer of Cs₂O over about 60% of the opposing surfaces thereof. Inthis embodiment, the value for WF_(e) is 0.88 eV and the value forWF_(c) is 0.65 eV, to induce a V_(CPD) of 0.23 eV. The V_(CPD) inducesan electric field (E_(CPD)) that has to be overcome to transmitelectrons through the nanofluid (1006) from the emitter electrode (1002)to the collector electrode (1004). Accordingly, as described furtherherein, this induced CPD enables thermionic emission of electrons fromthe emitter electrode (1002) toward the collector electrode (1004).

The nanofluid (1006) including a plurality of Au nanoparticle clusters(1010) and Ag nanoparticle clusters (1012) is provided (910). In thisembodiment, the work functions of the Au nanoparticle clusters (1010)and Ag nanoparticle clusters (1012) are 4.1 eV and 3.8 eV, respectively.Therefore, a collective work function WF_(nf) is greater than WF_(e)which is greater than WF_(c). This relationship of the work functionvalues of the Au and Ag nanoparticle clusters (1010) and (1012)optimizes the transfer of electrons to the nanoparticle clusters (1010)and (1012) through Brownian motion and electron hopping (discussedfurther herein). Accordingly, the selection of materials within thenano-scale energy conversion device (1000) optimizes electric currentgeneration and transfer therein through enhancing the release ofelectrons from the emitter electrode (1002) and the conduction of thereleased electrons across the nanofluid (1006) to the collectorelectrode (1004).

Referring to FIG. 11, a diagram is provided illustrating a graphicalrepresentation (1100) of the effect of the emitter work function valuebeing larger than the collector work function value. The emitterelectrode (1102) and the collector electrode (1104) are separated by thecavity (1106) that is filled with nanofluid (1108). A thermaldistribution function (1110) of the electrons in the emitter electrode(1102) above the electrochemical potential (the Fermi level (μ_(e))) asa function of the distance from the surface (1112) of the electrode(1102) is shown. The work function (WF_(e)) of the emitter electrode(1102) extends from the Fermi level (μ_(e)) of the emitter electrode(1102) to an electrical potential of the emitter electrode (E_(e)).Similarly, a thermal distribution function (1114) of the electrons inthe collector electrode (1104) above the electrochemical potential (theFermi level (μ_(e))) as a function of the distance from the surface(1116) of the electrode (1104) is shown. The work function (WF_(c)) ofthe collector electrode (1104) extends from the Fermi level (μ_(c)) ofthe collector electrode (1104) to the electrical potential of thecollector electrode (E_(c)). The Fermi level (μ_(c)) of the collectorelectrode (1104) is shifted upward due to the electrical potential of aload (eV_(load)) connected to the electrodes (1102) and (1104) inducinga contact potential difference voltage (V_(CPD)) across the cavity(1108), where eV_(load) and V_(CPD) are equal to each other. Anelectrical potential function (E) is shown declining from the surface(1112) of the emitter electrode (1102) to the surface (1116) of thecollector electrode (1104), i.e., from E_(e) to E_(c) linearly as theelectrons traverse the nanofluid (1106) and the cavity (1108) asindicated by the arrow (1118). The emitter work function (WF_(e)) mustbe greater than the collector work function (WF_(c)) so that electronsare accelerated toward the collector electrode (1104) and notaccelerated back towards the emitter electrode (1102). Accordingly, theselection of the materials for the emitter electrode (1102) and thecollector electrode (1104) with the associated work function and Fermilevel values determining operational functionality of the nano-scaleenergy conversion device (100).

Referring to FIG. 12 (and FIGS. 1 and 9), a diagram (1200) is providedillustrating electron transfer through collisions of a plurality ofnanoparticle clusters. As shown in FIG. 12, the nanofluid (1202)includes a plurality of nanoparticle clusters (1204) suspended in adielectric medium (1206). In the embodiment shown, the plurality ofnanoparticle clusters (1204) includes Au nanoparticle clusters (1208)and Ag nanoparticle clusters (1210). The Au nanoparticle clusters (1208)have a work function value of about 4.1 eV and the Ag nanoparticleclusters (1210) have a work function value of about 3.8 eV. These workfunction values of the nanoparticle clusters (1204) are much greaterthan the work function values of the emitter electrode (102) (0.88 eV)and the collector electrode (104) (0.65 eV). The nanoparticle clusters(1204) are coated with alkanethiol to form a dielectric barrier (1212)thereon to reduce coalescence of the nanoparticle clusters (1204). Inone embodiment, the nanoparticle clusters (1204) have a diameter ofabout 2 nm. The nanoparticle clusters (1204) are tailored to beelectrically conductive with capacitive (i.e., charge storage) featureswhile minimizing heat transfer therethrough. Accordingly, suspendednanoparticle clusters (1204) provide a conductive pathway for electronsto travel across the cavity (110) from the emitter electrode (102) tothe collector electrode (104) through charge transfer.

Thermally-induced Brownian motion causes the nanoparticle clusters(1204) to move within the dielectric medium (1206), and during thismovement they occasionally collide with each other and with theelectrodes (102) and (104). As the nanoparticle clusters (1204) move andcollide within the dielectric medium (1206), the nanoparticle clusters(1204) chemically and physically transfer charge. The nanoparticleclusters (1204) transfer charge chemically when electrons (1214) hopfrom the electrodes (102) and (104) to the nanoparticle clusters (1204)and from one nanoparticle cluster (1204) to another nanoparticle. Thehops primarily occur during collisions. Due to differences in workfunction values, electrons (1214) are more likely to move from theemitter electrode (102) to the collector electrode (104) via thenanoparticle clusters (1204) rather than in the reverse direction.Accordingly, a net electron current from the emitter electrode (102) tothe collector electrode (104) via the nanoparticle clusters (1204) isthe primary and dominant current of the nano-scale energy conversiondevice (100).

The nanoparticle clusters (1204) transfer charge physically (i.e.,undergo transient charging) due to the ionization of the nanoparticleclusters (1204) upon receipt of an electron and the electric fieldgenerated by the differently charged electrodes (102) and (104). Thenanoparticle clusters (1204) become ionized in collisions when they gainor lose an electron (1214). Positive and negative charged nanoparticleclusters (1204) in the nanofluid (1202) migrate to the negativelycharged collector electrode (104) and the positively charged emitterelectrode (102), respectively, providing a current flow. This ioncurrent flow is in the opposite direction from the electron currentflow, but much less in magnitude than the electron flow.

Some ion recombination in the nanofluid (1202) does occur, whichdiminishes both the electron and ion current flow. Electrode separationmay be selected at an optimum width to maximize ion formation andminimize ion recombination. In the exemplary embodiment, the electrodeseparation is slightly less than 10 nm. The nanoparticle clusters (1204)have a maximum dimension of about 2 nm, so the electrode separation isabout 3 to 5 nanoparticle clusters (1204). This separation distanceprovides sufficient space within the cavity for nanoparticle clusters(1204) to move around and collide, while minimizing ion recombination.For example, in one embodiment, an electron can hop from the emitterelectrode (102) to a first nanoparticle cluster (1204) and then to asecond, third, fourth, or fifth nanoparticle cluster (1204) beforehopping to the collector electrode (104). A reduced quantity of hopsmitigates ion recombination opportunities. Accordingly, ionrecombination in the nanofluid (1202) in minimized through an electrodeseparation distance selected at an optimum width to maximize ionformation and minimize ion recombination.

When the emitter electrode (102) and the collector electrode (104) areinitially brought into close proximity, the electrons of the collectorelectrode (104) have a higher Fermi level than the electrons of theemitter electrode (102) due to the lower work function of the collectorelectrode (104). The difference in Fermi levels drives a net electroncurrent that transfers electrons from the collector electrode (104) tothe emitter electrode (102) until the Fermi levels are equal, i.e., theelectrochemical potentials are balanced and thermodynamic equilibrium isachieved. The transfer of electrons between the emitter electrode (102)and the collector electrode (104) results in a difference in chargebetween the emitter electrode (102) and the collector electrode (104).This charge difference sets up the voltage of the contact potentialdifference (V_(CPD)) and an electric field between the emitter electrode(102) and the collector electrode (104), where the polarity of theV_(CPD) is determined by the material having the greatest work functionWith the Fermi levels equalized, no net current will flow between theemitter electrode (102) and the collector electrode (104). Accordingly,electrically coupling the emitter electrode (102) and the collectorelectrode (104) with no external load results in attaining the contactpotential difference between the electrodes (102 and 104) and no netcurrent flow between the electrodes (102) and (104) due to attainment ofthermodynamic equilibrium between the two electrodes (102) and (104).

The nano-scale energy conversion device (100) can generate electricpower (e.g., at room temperature) with or without additional heat input.Heat added to the emitter electrode (102) will raise its temperature andthe Fermi level of its electrons. With the Fermi level of the emitterelectrode (102) higher than the Fermi level of the collector electrode(104), a net electron current will flow from the emitter electrode (102)to the collector electrode (104) through the nanofluid (1202). If theexternal circuit (128) is connected, the same amount of electron currentwill flow through the external circuit current (134) from the collectorelectrode (104) to the emitter electrode (102). The heat energy added tothe emitter electrode (102) is carried by the electrons (1214) to thecollector electrode (102). The bulk of the added energy is transferredto the external circuit (128) for conversion to useful work and some ofthe added energy is transferred in collisions to the collector electrode(104) and eventually lost to ambient as waste energy. As the energyinput to the emitter electrode (102) increases, the temperature of theelectrode (102) increases, and the electron transmission from theemitter electrode (102) increases, thereby generating more current. Asthe emitter electrode (102) releases (912) electrons onto thenanoparticle clusters (1204), energy is stored in the nano-scale energyconversion device (100). Accordingly, the nano-scale energy conversiondevice (100) generates, stores, and transfers charge and moves heatenergy if a temperature difference exists, where added thermal energycauses the production of electrons to increase from the emitterelectrode (102) into the nanofluid (1202).

The nanofluid (1202) is used to transfer charges from the emitterelectrode (102) to one of the mobile nanoparticle clusters (1204) (viaintermediate contact potential differences) from the collisions of thenanoparticle cluster (1204) with the emitter electrode (102) induced byBrownian motion (914) of the nanoparticle cluster (1204). The selectionof dissimilar nanoparticle clusters (1204) that include Au nanoparticleclusters (1208) and Ag nanoparticle clusters (1210) that have muchgreater work functions of about 4.1 eV and about 3.8 eV, respectively,optimizes transfer of electrons to the nanoparticle clusters (1204) fromthe emitter electrode (102) and to the collector electrode (104).

As the electrons (1214) hop from nanoparticle cluster (1204) tonanoparticle cluster (1204), single electron charging effects thatinclude the additional work required to hop another electron (1214) onto a nanoparticle cluster (1204) if an electron (1214) is alreadypresent on the nanoparticle cluster (1204) determine if hoppingadditional electrons (1214) onto that particular nanoparticle cluster(1204) is possible. Specifically, the nanoparticle clusters (1204)include a voltage feedback mechanism that prevents the hopping of morethan a predetermined number of electrons to the nanoparticle cluster(1204). This prevents more than the allowed number of electrons (n) fromresiding on the nanoparticle cluster simultaneously. In one embodiment,only one electron (1214) is permitted on any nanoparticle cluster (1204)at any one time. Therefore, during conduction of current through thenanofluid (1202), a single electron (1214) hops onto the nanoparticlecluster (1204). The electron (1214) does not remain on the nanoparticlecluster (1204) indefinitely, but hops off to either the nextnanoparticle cluster (1204) or the collector electrode (104) throughcollisions resulting from the Brownian motion of the nanoparticleclusters (1204). However, the electron (1214) does remain on thenanoparticle cluster (1204) long enough to provide the voltage feedbackrequired to prevent additional electrons (1214) from hoppingsimultaneously onto the nanoparticle cluster (1204). The hopping ofelectrons (1214) across the nanoparticle clusters (1204) avoidsresistive heating associated with current flow in a media. Notably, thenano-scale energy conversion device (100) does not require pre-chargingby an external power source in order to introduce electrostatic forces.This is due to the device (100) being self-charged with triboelectriccharges generated upon contact between the nanoparticle clusters (1204)due to Brownian motion. Accordingly, the electron hopping across thenanofluid (1202) is limited to one electron (1214) at a time residing ona nanoparticle cluster (1204).

As the electrical current starts to flow through the nanofluid (1202), asubstantial energy flux away from the emitter electrode (102) is madepossible by the net energy exchange between the emitted (1214) andreplacement electrons. The replacement electrons from the secondelectrical conductor (132) connected to the emitter electrode (102) donot arrive with a value of energy equivalent to an average value of theFermi energy associated with the material of emitter electrode (102),but with an energy that is lower than the average value of the Fermienergy. Therefore, rather than the replacement energy of the replacementelectrons being equal to the chemical potential of the emitter electrode(102), the electron replacement process takes place in the availableenergy states below the Fermi energy in the emitter electrode (102). Theprocess through which electrons are emitted above the Fermi level andare replaced with electrons below the Fermi energy is sometimes referredto as an inverse Nottingham effect. Accordingly, the low work functionvalue of about 0.88 eV for the emitter electrode (102) allows for thereplacement of the emitted electrons with electrons with a lower energylevel to induce a cooling effect on the emitter electrode (102).

As described this far, the principle electron transfer mechanism foroperation of the nano-scale energy conversion device (100) is thermionicenergy conversion or harvesting. In some embodiments, thermoelectricenergy conversion is conducted in parallel with the thermionic energyconversion. In at least one of such embodiments, either the emitterelectrode (102) or the collector electrode (104), or both, include atleast one material selected from the group consisting of lead selenidetelluride (PbSeTe) and lead telluride (PbTe). PbSeTe and PbTe arethermoelectric conversion materials that, when introduced into theemitter electrode (102), allows for emission of electrons from theemitter electrode (102) through thermoelectric electron emission. Insome embodiments, the PbSeTe or PbTe is also introduced into thecollector electrode (104) to multiply the number of electrons beingintroduced into the external circuit current (134). Similarly, in someembodiments, the PbSeTe or PbTe is introduced at least a portion of thesuspended nanoparticle clusters (1204) to multiply the number ofelectrons being introduced into the external circuit current (134). Forexample, an electron (1214) colliding with a nanoparticle cluster (1204)with a first energy may induce the emission of two electrons at secondand third energy levels, respectively, where the first energy level isgreater than the sum of the second and third energy levels. In suchcircumstances, the energy levels of the emitted electrons are not asimportant as the number of electrons. Accordingly, the introduction ofthe PbSeTe or PbTe as described herein increases conversion of thermalenergy to electrical energy through further increasing the rate oftransfer of electrons through the nano-scale energy conversion device(100).

Furthermore, the PbSeTe or PbTe used as described herein may be ann-type compound doped with a transition metal in the form of bismuth(Bi) or antimony (Sb). The doping of the n-type compound of PbSeTe orPbTe with the transition metal further increases conversion of thermalenergy to electrical energy through further increasing the rate oftransfer of electrons through the nano-scale energy conversion device(100). Accordingly, introducing PbSeTe or PbTe, doped with, or, withoutthe transition metal into the emitter electrode (102), the collectorelectrode (104), and the nanoparticle clusters (1204), increasesconversion of thermal energy to electrical energy through increasing therate of transfer of electrons through the nano-scale energy conversiondevice (100).

A plurality of nano-scale energy conversion devices (100) aredistinguished by at least one embodiment having the thermoelectricenergy conversion features described herein. In general, the nanofluid(1202) is selected for operation of the nano-scale energy conversiondevices (100) within more than one temperature range. In one embodiment,the temperature range of the associated nano-scale energy conversiondevice (100) is controlled to modulate a power output of the device(100). In general, as the temperature of the emitter electrode (102)increases, the rate of thermionic emission therefrom increases. Theoperational temperature ranges for the nanofluid (1202) are based on thedesired output of the nano-scale energy conversion device (100), thetemperature ranges that optimize thermionic conversion, the temperatureranges that optimize thermoelectric conversion, and fluidcharacteristics. Therefore, different embodiments of the nanofluid(1202) are designed for different energy outputs of the device (100).For example, for the nanofluid (1202), when the dielectric medium (1206)is silicone oil, the temperature of the nanofluid (1202) should bemaintained at less than 250° C. to avoid deleterious changes in energyconversion due to the viscosity changes of the silicone oil above 250°C. In one embodiment, the temperature range of the nanofluid (1202) forsubstantially thermionic emission only is approximately room temperature(i.e., about 20° C. to about 25° C.) up to about 70-80° C., and thetemperature range of the nanofluid for thermionic and thermo-electricconversion is above 70-80° C., with the principle limitations being thetemperature limitations of the materials. The nanofluid (1202) foroperation including thermoelectric conversion includes a temperaturerange that optimizes the thermoelectric conversion through optimizingthe power density within the nano-scale energy conversion device (100),thereby optimizing the power output of the device (100). In at least oneembodiment, a mechanism for regulating the temperature of the firstnanofluid (1202) includes diverting some of the energy output of thedevice (100) into the nanofluid (1202). Accordingly, the cavities (110)of specific embodiments of the nano-scale energy conversion device (100)may be filled with the nanofluid (1202) to employ thermoelectric energyconversion with thermionic energy conversion above a particulartemperature range, or thermionic energy conversion by itself below thattemperature range.

As described elsewhere herein, in at least one embodiment, thedielectric medium (1206) has thermal conductivity values less than about1.0 watts per meter-degrees Kelvin (W/m ° K). In at least oneembodiment, the thermal conductivity of the dielectric medium (1206) isas low as about 0.013 watts per meter-degrees Kelvin (W/m ° K), ascompared to the thermal conductivity of water at about 20 degreesCelsius (° C.) of 0.6 W/m ° K. Accordingly, the first nanofluid (1202)minimizes heat transfer through the cavity (110) with low thermalconductivity values. Since the heat transport in a low thermalconductivity first nanofluid (1202) can be small, a high temperaturedifference between the two electrodes (102) and (104) can be maintainedduring operation. These embodiments are designed for those nano-scaleenergy conversion devices (100) that employ thermionic emission only,where minimal heat transfer through the first nanofluid (1202) isdesired.

In some alternative embodiments of nano-scale energy conversion devices(100), greater heat transfer through the nanofluid (1202) is desired.The nano-scale energy conversion device (100) has a cavity (110)dimension of less than about 10 nm. In this predetermined distance rangeof about 1 nm to less than about 10 nm, thermal conductivity values andelectrical conductivity values of the first nanofluid (1202) areenhanced over thermal and electrical conductivity values of the firstnanofluid (1202) when the predetermined distance of the cavity isgreater than about 100 nm. This increase of thermal and electricalconductivity values of the nanofluid (1202) is due to a number offactors. The first factor is that of enhanced phonon and electrontransfer between the plurality of nanoparticle clusters (1204) withinthe nanofluid (1202), enhanced phonon and electron transfer between theplurality of nanoparticle clusters (1204) and the first electrode (102),and enhanced phonon and electron transfer between the plurality ofnanoparticle clusters (1204) and the second electrode (104). A secondfactor is the enhanced influence of Brownian motion of the nanoparticleclusters (1204) in the more confining volume seen in the scale of lessthan about 10 nm. As the distance between electrodes (106) decreasesbelow about 10 nm, the fluid continuum characteristics of the nanofluid(1202) with the suspended nanoparticle clusters (1204) is altered. Forexample, as the ratio of particle size to volume of the cavity (110)increases, the random and convection like effects of Brownian motion ina dilute solution dominate. Therefore, collisions of the nanoparticleclusters (1204) with the surfaces of other nanoparticle clusters (1204)and the electrodes (102) and (104) increase thermal and electricalconductivity values due to the enhanced phonon and electron transfer. Athird factor is the at least partial formation of nanoparticle cluster(1204) matrices within the nanofluid (1202). In one embodiment, theformation of the matrices is based on the factors of time and/orconcentration of the nanoparticle clusters (1204) in the nanofluid(1202). Under certain conditions, the nanoparticle clusters (1204) willform matrices within the nanofluid (1202) as a function of closeproximity to each other with some of the nanoparticle clusters (1206)remaining independent from the matrices. A fourth factor is thepredetermined nanoparticle cluster (1204) density, which in oneembodiment is about one mole per liter. Accordingly, the very smalldimensions of the cavity (110) of less than about 10 nm causes anincrease in the thermal and electrical conductivity values of thenanofluid (1202) therein.

In addition, the nanoparticle clusters (1204) are extremely thin andthey are often considered to have only one dimension, i.e., theircharacteristic length. This extreme thinness restricts electrons andholes in a process called quantum confinement, which increaseselectrical conductivity. The collision of particles with differentquantum confinement facilitates transfer of charge to the electrodes(102) and (104). A nanoparticle cluster's (1204) small size alsoincreases the influence of its surfaces, thereby tending to increasethermal conductivity. The embodiments of nano-scale energy conversiondevice (100) have an enhanced electrical conductivity value greater thanabout 1 Siemens per meter (S/m). Also, the embodiments of device (100)with the enhanced thermal conductivity have a thermal conductivity valuegreater than about 1 W/m-° K.

The thermionic emission of electrons (1214) from the emitter electrode(102) and the transfer of the electrons (1214) across the nanofluid(1202) from nanoparticle cluster (1204) to nanoparticle cluster (1204)through hopping are both quantum mechanical effects.

The release of electrons from the emitter electrode (102) throughthermionic emission as described herein is an energy selectivemechanism. A Coulombic barrier in the cavity (110) between the emitterelectrode (102) and the collector electrode (104) is induced through theinteraction of the nanoparticles (1204) with the electrodes (102) and(104) inside the cavity (110). The Coulombic barrier is at leastpartially induced through the number and material composition of theplurality of nanoparticle clusters (1204). The Coulombic barrier inducedthrough the nanofluid (1202) provides an energy selective barrier on theorder of magnitude of about 1 eV. Accordingly, the nanofluid (1202)provides an energy selective barrier to electron emission andtransmission.

To overcome the Coulombic barrier and allow electrons (1214) to beemitted from the emitter electrode (102) above the energy level neededto overcome the barrier, selection of the materials for the emitterelectrode (102) and the collector electrode (104) are selected for theirwork function values and Fermi level values. The Fermi levels of the twometal electrodes (102) and (104) and the nanoparticle cluster (1204)will try to align by tunneling electrons (1214) from the electrodes(102) and (104) to the nanoparticle cluster (1204). The difference inpotential between the two electrodes (102) and (104) (describedelsewhere herein) overcomes the Coulombic barrier and the thermionicemission of electrons (1214) from the emitter electrode (102) occurswith sufficient energy to overcome the Coulombic block. Notably, forcooling purposes, removing higher energy electrons from the emitterelectrode (102) causes the emission of electrons (1214) to carry awaymore heat energy from the emitter electrode (102) than is realized withlower energy electrons. Accordingly, the energy selective barrier isovercome through the thermionic emission of electrons at a higher energylevel than would be otherwise occurring without the Coulombic barrier.

Once the electrons (1214) have been emitted from the emitter electrode(102) through thermionic emission, the Coulombic barrier continues topresent an obstacle to further transmission of the electrons (1214)through the nanofluid (1202). Smaller gaps on the order of about 1-10 nmfacilitates electron hopping, i.e., field emission, of short distancesacross the cavity (110). The energy requirements for electron hoppingare much lower than the energy requirements for thermionic emission,therefore the electron hopping has a significant effect on the energygeneration characteristics of the device (100). The design of thenanofluid (1202) enables energy selective tunneling (hopping) that is aresult of the special form of the barrier (which has wider gap for lowenergy electrons) which results in electrons above the Fermi level beingthe principal hopping component. The direction of the electron hoppingis determined through the selection of the different materials for theelectrodes (102) and (104) and their associated work function and Fermilevel values. The electron hopping across the nanofluid (1202) transfersheat energy with electrons (1214) across the cavity (110) whilemaintaining a predetermined temperature gradient such that thetemperature of the fluid (1214) is relatively unchanged during theelectron transfer. Accordingly, the emitted electrons transport heatenergy from the emitter electrode (102) across the cavity (110) to thecollector electrode (104) without increasing the temperature of thenanofluid (1202).

Sample Applications of the Nano-scale Energy Conversion Devices

Referring to FIG. 13, a diagram is provided illustrating one embodimentof employment of the nano-scale energy conversion device (1300). Heatenergy (1302) from a source enters the emitter electrode (1304).Electrons (1306) are thermionically emitted (1318) from the emitterelectrode (1304). The electrons (1306) traverse the cavity (1308) thatis filled with nanofluid (1310) as described herein. The electrons(1306) reach (1320) the collector electrode (1312) that collects theelectrons (1306) to generate an output current (1314) that istransmitted through a first electrical conductor (1322) to a load (1316)to perform work. Current (1314) is transmitted from the load (1316) tothe emitter (1304) through a second electrical conductor (1324).Accordingly, the nano-scale energy conversion device (1300) harvestsheat energy (1302), including waste heat and ambient heat, to generateelectrical power (1314).

Referring to FIG. 14, a diagram is provided illustrating a system (1400)of stacked or grouped nano-scale energy conversion devices (1402) thatgenerates electric power from heat (1404), which in one embodiment iswaste heat or waste heat by-product. The system (1400) includes aplurality of nano-scale energy conversion devices (1402) within aninsulated casing (1406). Each nano-scale energy conversion device (1402)is capable of producing at least 0.024 watts/cell and the system (1400)can reach a power density of about 1550 watts/liter, therefore, about64,583 devices (1402) would be required. For a particular residentialdwelling that uses 3 kilowatts (kW), therefore a system (1400) to powera typical home would require about a 2 liter system. Stacked nano-scaleenergy conversion devices (1402) (in series or in parallel) define thepower flux to obtain an electric power system of desired current andvoltage characteristics. In addition, heat removal capabilities areenhanced through the additional devices (1402). Accordingly, thenano-scale energy conversion devices (1402) are scalable andconfigurable to provide electric power under a variety of uses.

Referring to FIG. 15, a diagram is provided illustrating a waste heatharvesting system (1500) that includes a nano-scale energy conversiongroup (1502) coupled to an electronic chip (1504), such as asemi-conductor chip that harvests electrical energy from waste heat fromthe electronic chip (1504). Such a system (1500) is suitable for use inmobile phones and other portable electronic devices. The electronic chip(1504) is affixed to the nano-scale energy conversion group (1502) withan adhesive (1506), e.g., without limitation, an epoxy adhesive. Thegroup of stacked nano-scale energy conversion devices (1502) includes,e.g., and without limitation, about 35 stacked nano-scale energyconversion devices. In one embodiment, the quantity of stackednano-scale energy conversion devices may range depending on the size anddimensions of the semi-conductor chip. For example, in one embodiment,the quantity may range from a minimum of 1 to in excess of 1,000 stackednano-scale energy conversion devices. Similarly, in one embodiment, thestacking of multiple nano-scale energy conversion devices forms layersthereof. The nano-scale energy conversion group (1502) is cooled by bothradiation heat transfer (1508) and natural convection heat transfer(1510). The nano-scale energy conversion group (1502) is driven by atemperature difference where the electronic chip (1504) is operating atabout 100° C. The harvested electrical power does not need to be used tocool the system (1500). The nano-scale energy conversion group (1502)includes a predetermined number of nano-scale energy conversion devicesfor multiplying currents and voltages as necessary. Accordingly, anano-scale energy conversion group (1502) can be cooled by combinednatural convection and radiation, and there may be no need to installany power-consuming fluid movers.

Referring to FIG. 16, a diagram is provided illustrating an electricpower generation system (1600) that includes an array (1602) ofnano-scale energy conversion devices (1604) coupled to an array of solarcells (1606) that harvests electrical energy from heat byproduct (1608)from the solar cell array (1606). An energy storage device (1610), suchas, and without limitation, an ultra-capacitor, is electricallyconnected to the array (1602) of nano-scale energy conversion devices(1604). Integration of the nano-scale energy conversion devices (1604)into electric power generation system (1600) allows the array (1602) toboth cool the solar cell array (1606) and synergistically generate powerto augment photovoltaic production. In addition to enhancingphotovoltaic power generation, the integration of the nano-scale energyconversion devices (1604) augments other thermal power sources such ashot water, geothermal sources, and automotive waste heat sources, toenhance the generation of electrical power. Accordingly, the nano-scaleenergy conversion devices (1604) can be integrated with multipleenergy-harvesting devices to produce a greater energy-density devicethat would otherwise not be accomplished without the integration.

As described herein, the present disclosure is directed generally to anultra-long life energy source, such as a battery, and more particularlyis directed to a nano-scale energy conversion device. Ionization isprovided therein by the combination of electron tunneling and thermionicemission of the nano-scale energy conversion device. Charge transfertherein is effected through conductive nanoparticles suspended in afluid (i.e., a nanofluid) undergoing collisions driven bythermally-induced Brownian motion. The design of this device enablesambient energy extraction at low and elevated temperatures (includingroom temperature). To this end, the electrodes are very close to eachother to allow electrons to travel the distance between them. Theseelectrons emitted at a wide range of temperatures proceed across the gapdue to the nanofluid providing a conductive pathway for electrons,minimizing heat transfer to maintain a nanoscale heat engine, andpreventing arcing. With respect to thermionic converters, the electricalefficiency of these devices depends on the very low work functionmaterials deposited on the emitter electrode (cathode) and the collectorelectrode (anode). The efficiency of two low work function electrodescan be increased by developing cathodes with sufficient thermionicemission of electrons operating even at room temperature. These low workfunction cathodes and anodes provide copious amounts of electrons.Similarly, a tunneling device consists of two low work functionelectrodes separated by a designed nanofluid. Cooling by electrodeemission refers to the transport of hot electrons across the nanofluidgap, from the object to be cooled (cathode) to the heat rejectionelectrode (anode). Thus, the coupling of several technologies,including: the electrospray-deposited two low work function electrodesinclude cesium-oxide on both tungsten and gold; an energy selectiveelectron-transfer thermionic emission and quantum hopping of electrons;a nanofluid that is tailored as a thermoelectric element to conductelectricity while minimizing heat transfer within the device; andthermal communication from the anode electrical connection that is inthermal contact with the device and the outside heat reservoir, producesa viable thermionic power generator.

The nano-scale energy conversion devices described herein facilitategenerating electrical energy via a long-lived, constantly-recharging,battery for any size-scale electrical application. The devices provide abattery having a conversion efficiency superior to presently availablesingle and double conversion batteries. In addition, the devicesdescribed herein may be fabricated as an integral part of, and provideelectrical energy for, an integrated circuit. The devices describedherein are a light-weight and compact multiple-conversion battery havinga relatively long operating life with an electrical power output at auseful value. Furthermore, in addition to the tailored work functions,the nanoparticle clusters described herein are multiphase nanocompositesthat include thermoelectric materials. The combination of thermoelectricand thermionic functions within a single device further enhances thepower generation capabilities of the nano-scale energy conversiondevices.

The conversion of ambient heat energy into usable electricity enablesenergy harvesting capable of offsetting, or even replacing, the relianceof electronics on conventional power supplies, such as electrochemicalbatteries, especially when long-term operation of a large number ofelectronic devices in dispersed locations is required. Energy harvestingdistinguishes itself from batteries and hardwire power owing to inherentadvantages, such as outstanding longevity measured in years, littlemaintenance, and minimal disposal and contamination issues. Thenano-scale energy conversion devices described herein demonstrate anovel electric generator with low cost for efficiently harvestingthermal energy (without the need for an initial temperature differentialor thermal gradient to start the electron flow).

The nano-scale energy conversion devices described herein are scalableacross a large number of power generation requirements. The devices maybe designed for applications requiring electric power in the milliwatts(mW), watts (W), kilowatts (kW), and megawatts (MW) ranges. Examples ofdevices for the mW range include, but are not limited to, those devicesassociated with the Internet of Things (IoT) (home appliances, vehicles(communication only)), handheld portable electronic devices (mobilephones, medical devices, tablets), and embedded systems (RFIDs andwearables). Examples of devices for the watts range include, but are notlimited to, handheld sensors, networks, robotic devices, cordless tools,drones, appliances, toys, vehicles, utility lighting, and edgecomputing. Examples of devices in the kW range include, but are notlimited to, residential off-grid devices (rather than backup fossil fuelgenerators), resilient/sustainable homes, portable generators, electricand silent transportation (including water-faring), and spacecraft.Examples of devices in the MW range include, but are not limited to,industrial/data center/institutional off-grid devices (e.g.,uninterruptible power supplies), resilient complexes, urban centers,commercial and military aircraft, flying cars, andrailway/locomotive/trucking/shipboard transportation. Accordingly,substantially any power demand in any situation can be met with thedevices disclosed herein.

Aspects of the present embodiments are described herein with referenceto one or more of flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams ofmethods and apparatus (systems) according to the embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present embodiments has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsfor various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. The implementation of the nano-scale energyconversion devices as heat harvesting devices that efficiently convertwaste heat energy to usable electric energy facilitates flexible uses ofthe minute power generators. Accordingly, the nano-scale energyconversion devices and the associated embodiments as shown and describedin FIGS. 1-16, provide electrical power through conversion of heat inmost known environments, including ambient, ambient temperatureenvironments.

It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments have beendescribed herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments.In particular, the nano-scale energy conversion devices are shown asconfigured to harvest waste heat from stationary or relativelystationary conditions. Alternatively, the nano-scale energy conversiondevices may be configured to harvest waste heat while in motion.Accordingly, the scope of protection of the embodiment(s) is limitedonly by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a transport mediumcomprising a nanoparticle suspended in a dielectric, the transportmedium having a first side and a second side, the first side opposingthe second side, the nanoparticle comprising a conductive metal, theconductive metal at least partially covered by a monolayer film, themonolayer film being less conductive than the conductive metal; a firstsurface disposed at the first side of the transport medium, the firstsurface having a first work function; and a second surface disposed atthe second side of the transport medium, the second surface having asecond work function, wherein the first work function is lower than thesecond work function.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein ananoparticle work function is lower than the second work function. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dielectric is a solutioncomprising silicone oil, water, hexane, toluene, or any combinationthereof.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the monolayer film has athickness of approximately 2 nanometers, and wherein the conductivemetal of the nanoparticle comprises gold, silver, or any combinationthereof.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticle furthercomprises a core-shell nanoparticle, the core-shell nanoparticleincluding a conductive core and an insulative film.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first surface comprises a patterned surfacefeature.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surfacecomprises a thermionic electron emissive material.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the thermionic electron emissive material comprises acesium compound.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surfacecomprises a semi-conductive material, the semi-conductive material beingdoped with antimony or bismuth.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe first surface has covalent bonding in-plane and Van der Waalsbonding out of plane.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first endand a second end of the transport medium include a sealant and astandoff, and wherein the first surface comprises a monolayer having amonolayer surface thickness.
 12. An apparatus, comprising: a firstelectrode having a first surface, the first surface having a first workfunction; a second electrode having a second surface, the second surfacehaving a second work function; and a transport medium interposed betweenthe first surface and the second surface, the transport mediumcomprising nanoparticles suspended in a dielectric, wherein the firstwork function is lower than the second work function.
 13. The apparatusof claim 12, wherein the first surface comprises a thermionic electronemissive material.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the thermionicelectron emissive material comprises a cesium compound.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the nanoparticles include a conductivemetal, and wherein the first electrode comprises a semi-conductivematerial and the second electrode comprises Ti, Ni, Cu, Pd, Ag, Hf, W,Ir, Pt, Au, or a combination thereof.
 16. An apparatus, comprising: atransport medium comprising a nanoparticle suspended in a dielectric,the transport medium having a first side and a second side, the firstside opposing the second side, the nanoparticle comprising a conductivemetal, the conductive metal at least partially covered by a monolayerfilm, the monolayer film being less conductive than the conductivemetal; a first surface disposed at the first side of the transportmedium, the first surface having a first work function; and a secondsurface disposed at the second side of the transport medium, the secondsurface having a second work function, wherein the first work functionis lower than the second work function, and wherein the apparatus isconfigured to power a load coupled to the apparatus.
 17. The apparatusof claim 16, wherein a nanoparticle work function is lower than thesecond work function.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein thedielectric is a solution comprising silicone oil, water, hexane,toluene, or any combination thereof.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein the monolayer film has a thickness of approximately 2nanometers, and wherein the conductive metal of the nanoparticlecomprises gold, silver, or any combination thereof.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the nanoparticle further comprises a core-shellnanoparticle, the core-shell nanoparticle including a conductive coreand an insulative film.
 21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the firstsurface comprises a patterned surface feature.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the first surface comprises a thermionic electronemissive material.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the thermionicelectron emissive material comprises a cesium compound.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the first surface comprises asemi-conductive material, the semi-conductive material being doped withantimony or bismuth.
 25. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the firstsurface has covalent bonding in-plane and Van der Waals bonding out ofplane.
 26. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein a first end and a secondend of the transport medium include a sealant and a standoff, andwherein the first surface comprises a monolayer having a monolayersurface thickness.
 27. An apparatus, comprising: a first electrodehaving a first surface, the first surface having a first work function;a second electrode having a second surface, the second surface having asecond work function; and a transport medium interposed between thefirst surface and the second surface, the transport medium comprisingnanoparticles suspended in a dielectric, wherein the first work functionis lower than the second work function, and wherein the apparatus isconfigured to power a load coupled to the apparatus.
 28. The apparatusof claim 27, wherein the first surface comprises a thermionic electronemissive material.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the thermionicelectron emissive material comprises a cesium compound.
 30. Theapparatus of claim 27, wherein the nanoparticles include a conductivemetal, and wherein the first electrode comprises a semi-conductivematerial and the second electrode comprises Ti, Ni, Cu, Pd, Ag, Hf, W,Ir, Pt, Au, or a combination thereof.